Powertrain of an Automatic Transmission

ABSTRACT

A powertrain of an automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set having a double pinion planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set having a single pinion planetary gear set and a third planetary gear set having a double pinion planetary gear set to achieve eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by combining the three planetary gear sets and six frictional elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application Number 10-2008-0053363 filed Jun. 5, 2008, the entire contents of which application is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a powertrain of an automatic transmission. More particularly, the present invention relates to a powertrain of an automatic transmission that enables eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by combining three simple planetary gear sets and six frictional elements.

2. Description of Related Art

A typical shift mechanism of an automatic transmission utilizes a combination of a plurality of planetary gear sets. A gear train of such an automatic transmission that includes the plurality of planetary gear sets changes rotating speed and torque received from a torque converter of the automatic transmission, and accordingly changes and transmits the changed torque to an output shaft.

It is well known that when a transmission realizes a greater number of shift speeds, speed ratios of the transmission can be more optimally designed and therefore a vehicle can have better fuel mileage and better performance. For that reason, an automatic transmission that enables more shift speeds is under constant investigation.

In addition, with the same number of speeds, features of a gear train such as durability, efficiency in power transmission, and size depend a lot on the layout of combined planetary gear sets. Therefore, designs for a combining structure of a gear train are also under constant investigation.

A manual transmission that has too many speeds causes inconvenience of excessively frequent shifting operations to a driver. Therefore, the positive features of more shift-speeds are more important for automatic transmissions because an automatic transmission automatically controls shifting operations basically without needing manual operation.

The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to provide a powertrain of an automatic transmission having advantages of enabling eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by combining three simple planetary gear sets and six frictional elements.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a powertrain of an automatic transmission that includes a first planetary gear set having a first operating member fixedly connected to a transmission case, a second operating member, and a third operating member fixedly connected to an input shaft, a second planetary gear set having a fourth operating member selectively connected to the second operating member, a fifth operating member, and a sixth operating member selectively connected to the third operating member and the transmission case, a third planetary gear set having a seventh operating member selectively connected to the second operating member, the input shaft, and the transmission case, an eighth operating member fixedly connected to the sixth operating member, and a ninth operating member fixedly connected to the fifth operating member and an output shaft, and a plurality of friction members that selectively connect operating members of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets, the input shaft, and the transmission case.

The plurality of friction members may include a first clutch selectively connecting the third operating member and the sixth operating member, a second clutch selectively connecting the seventh operating member to the input shaft, a third clutch selectively connecting the second operating member and the fourth operating member, a fourth clutch selectively connecting the second operating member and the seventh operating member, a first brake selectively connecting the sixth operating member to the transmission case, and a second brake selectively connecting the seventh operating member to the transmission case.

The first planetary gear set may be a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first planet carrier, the first sun gear acting as the first operating member, the first ring gear acting as the second operating member, and the first planet carrier acting as the third operating member.

The second planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the second sun gear acting as the fourth operating member, the second planet carrier acting as the fifth operating member, and the second ring gear acting as the sixth operating member.

The third planetary gear set may be a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third planet carrier, the third sun gear acting as the seventh operating member, the third ring gear acting as the eighth operating member, and the third planet carrier acting as the ninth operating member.

It may be configured that the third clutch and the first brake operate for a first forward speed, the third clutch and the second brake operate for a second forward speed, the third clutch and the fourth clutch operate for a third forward speed, the second clutch and the third clutch operate for the fourth forward speed, the first clutch and the third clutch operate for a fifth forward speed, the first clutch and the second clutch operate for a sixth forward speed, the first clutch and the fourth clutch operate for a seventh forward speed, the first clutch and the second brake operate for a eighth forward speed, the fourth clutch and the first brake operate for a first reverse speed, and the second clutch and the first brake operate for a second reverse speed.

According to the exemplary powertrain of an automatic transmission of the present invention, eight forward speeds and a reverse speed can be enabled by combining three simple planetary gear sets and six frictional elements.

In addition, a large number of shift-speeds are enabled, and thus power delivery performance may be improved and fuel consumption may be reduced by effectively utilizing an engine power.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary operational chart of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the first forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the second forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the third forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the fourth forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the fifth forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the sixth forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the seventh forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the eighth forward speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the first reverse speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a speed diagram that shows exemplary rotation speeds of respective operating members at the second reverse speed of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

As shown in FIG. 1, a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention includes an input shaft 10, an output shaft 20, a transmission case 30, and first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3.

The input shaft 10 receives a torque from an engine (not shown) through a torque converter (not shown).

The output shaft 20 outputs a torque from the powertrain.

The first planetary gear set PG1 is a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a first sun gear S1, a first ring gear R1, and a first planet carrier PC1. A first pinion gear P1 is connected to the first planet carrier PC1 and gear-engaged with the first sun gear S1 and the first ring gear R1 so that the first planet carrier PC1 rotates by the rotation of the first pinion gear P1.

The second planetary gear set PG2 is a single pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a second sun gear S2, a second planet carrier PC2, and a second ring gear R2. A second pinion gear P2 is connected to the second planet carrier PC2 and gear-engaged with the second sun gear S2 and the second ring gear R2 so that the second planet carrier PC2 rotates by the rotation of the second pinion gear P2.

The third planetary gear set PG3 is a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a third sun gear S3, a third ring gear R3, and a third planet carrier PC3. A third pinion gear P3 is connected to the third planet carrier PC3 and gear-engaged with the third sun gear S3 and the third ring gear R3 so that the third planet carrier PC3 rotates by the rotation of the third pinion gear P3.

The first sun gear S1, the first ring gear R1, and the first planet carrier PC1 is also called first, second, and third operating members N1, N2, and N3 of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention. The second sun gear S2, the second planet carrier PC2, and the second ring gear R2 is also called fourth, fifth, and sixth operating members N4, N5, and N6 of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention. The third sun gear S3, the third ring gear R3, and the third planet carrier PC3 is also called seventh, eighth, and ninth operating members N7, N8, and N9 of a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention.

The first planet carrier PC1 is fixedly connected with the input shaft 10 and always acts as an input member. The third planet carrier PC3 is fixedly connected with the output shaft 20 and always acts as an output member. The first sun gear S1 is fixedly connected with the transmission case 30 and always acts as a fixed member.

The second ring gear R2 is fixedly connected with the third ring gear R3. The second planet carrier PC2 is fixedly connected with the third planet carrier PC3. Therefore, since two pairs of operating members of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 are fixedly connected, four operational nodes are formed in speed diagrams as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 12.

A powertrain of an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention utilizes a plurality of friction members, in more detail, six friction members.

The plurality of friction members includes: a first clutch C1 selectively connecting the third operating member N3 and the sixth operating member N6; a second clutch C2 selectively connecting the seventh operating member N7 to the input shaft 10; a third clutch C3 selectively connecting the second operating member N2 and the fourth operating member N4; a fourth clutch C4 selectively connecting the second operating member N2 and the seventh operating member N7; a first brake B1 selectively connecting the sixth operating member N6 to the transmission case 30; and a second brake B2 selectively connecting the seventh operating member N7 to the transmission case 30.

In more detail, the first clutch C1 selectively connects the first planet carrier and the second ring gear. The second clutch C2 selectively connects the third sun gear to the input shaft. The third clutch C3 selectively connects the first ring gear and the second sun gear. The fourth clutch C4 selectively connects the first ring gear and the third sun gear. The first brake B1 selectively connects the second ring gear to the transmission case. The second brake B2 selectively connects the third sun gear to the transmission case.

As shown in FIG. 2, an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention realizes eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by operating two friction members for respective shift-speeds.

In more detail, the third clutch C3 and the first brake B1 operate for the first forward speed D1. The third clutch C3 and the second brake B2 operate for the second forward speed D2. The third clutch C3 and the fourth clutch C4 operate for the third forward speed D3. The second clutch C2 and the third clutch C3 operate for the fourth forward speed D4. The first clutch C1 and the third clutch C3 operate for the fifth forward speed D5. The first clutch C1 and the second clutch C2 operate for the sixth forward speed D6. The first clutch C1 and the fourth clutch C4 operate for the seventh forward speed D7. The first clutch C1 and the second brake B2 operate for the eighth forward speed D8. The fourth clutch C4 and the first brake B1 operate for the first reverse speed R1. The second clutch C2 and the first brake B1 operate for the second reverse speed R2.

Formation of eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by a powertrain of an automatic transmission according to various embodiments of the present invention is hereinafter described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 12, the first planet carrier PC1 always acting as an input member always rotates at the rotation speed of the input shaft 10. The first sun gear S1 is always stationary by being fixedly connected to the transmission case 30. Therefore, speed diagram of the first planetary gear set PG1 remains the same regardless of shift-speeds. That is, the first sun gear S1 is stationary, the first planet carrier PC1 rotates at the rotation speed of the input shaft 10, and the first ring gear R1 rotates at a reduced speed that is slower than the rotation speed of the input shaft 10.

The second ring gear R2 and the third ring gear R3 always rotate at the same speed since they are fixedly connected with each other, and the second planet carrier PC2 and the third planet carrier PC3 always rotate at the same speed since they are fixedly connected with each other.

From such a constraint, the first to eighth forward speeds and two reverse speeds are realized by selective operation of the first to fourth clutches C1 to C4 and the first and second brakes B1 and B2, which is hereinafter described in detail.

First Forward Speed

The third clutch C3 and the first brake B1 operate for the first forward speed D1.

The second sun gear S2 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the third clutch C3 operates. The second ring gear R2 stops since the first brake B1 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 3, and the first forward speed D1 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Second Forward Speed

The third clutch C3 and the second brake B2 operate for the second forward speed D2.

The second sun gear S2 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the third clutch C3 operates. The third sun gear S3 stops since the second brake B2 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 4, and the second forward speed D2 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Third Forward Speed

The third clutch C3 and the fourth clutch C4 operate for the third forward speed D3.

The second sun gear S2 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the third clutch C3 operates. The third sun gear S3 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the fourth clutch C4 operates. Both the second and third sun gears S2 and S3 rotate at the reduced speed, and thus the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 integrally rotate at the reduced speed.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 5, and the third forward speed D3 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Fourth Forward Speed

The second clutch C2 and the third clutch C3 operate for the fourth forward speed D4.

The second sun gear S2 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the third clutch C3 operates. The third sun gear S3 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the second clutch C2 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 6, and the fourth forward speed D4 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Fifth Forward Speed

The first clutch C1 and the third clutch C3 operate for the fifth forward speed D5.

The second sun gear S2 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the third clutch C3 operates. The second ring gear R2 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the first clutch C1 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 7, and the fifth forward speed D5 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Sixth Forward Speed

The first clutch C1 and the second clutch C2 operate for the sixth forward speed D6.

The second ring gear R2 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the first clutch C1 operates. The third sun gear S3 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the second clutch C2 operates. Both the second and third sun gears S2 and S3 rotate at the same speed with the input shaft 10, the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 integrally rotate at the rotation speed of the input shaft 10.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 8, and the sixth forward speed D6 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Seventh Forward Speed

The first clutch C1 and the fourth clutch C4 operate for the seventh forward speed D7.

The second ring gear R2 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the first clutch C1 operates.

The third sun gear S3 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the fourth clutch C4 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 9, and the seventh forward speed D7 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Eighth Forward Speed

The first clutch C1 and the second brake B2 operate for the eighth forward speed D8.

The second ring gear R2 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the first clutch C1 operates. The third sun gear S3 stops since the second brake B2 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 10, and the eighth forward speed D8 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

First Reverse Speed

The fourth clutch C4 and the first brake B1 operate for the first reverse speed R1.

The third sun gear S3 rotates at the reduced speed of the first ring gear R1 since the fourth clutch C4 operates. The second ring gear R2 stops since the first brake B1 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 11, and the first reverse speed R1 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

Second Reverse Speed

The second clutch C2 and the first brake B1 operate for the second reverse speed R2.

The third sun gear S3 rotates at the same speed with the input shaft 10 since the second clutch C2 operates. The second ring gear R2 stops since the first brake B1 operates.

Therefore, speed diagram of the second and third planetary gear sets PG2 and PG3 is formed as shown in FIG. 12, and the second reverse speed R2 is outputted through the output member of the third planet carrier PC3.

FIG. 2 shows an example of available speed ratios of the eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds. Such an example figures of speed ratios are obtained in connection with a case that the number of teeth of the sun and ring gears of the first planetary gear set PG1 are respectively 10 and 25, the number of teeth of the sun and ring gears of the second planetary gear set PG2 are respectively 10 and 18, and the number of teeth of the sun and ring gears of the third planetary gear set PG3 are respectively 10 and 32.

However, it should not be understood that the scope of the present invention is limited thereto. A variety of speed ratios may be obtained by modifying the number of teeth of the sun and ring gears of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

1. A powertrain of an automatic transmission comprising: a first planetary gear set having a first operating member fixedly connected to a transmission case, a second operating member, and a third operating member fixedly connected to an input shaft; a second planetary gear set having a fourth operating member selectively connected to the second operating member, a fifth operating member, and a sixth operating member selectively connected to the third operating member and the transmission case; a third planetary gear set having a seventh operating member selectively connected to the second operating member, the input shaft, and the transmission case, an eighth operating member fixedly connected to the sixth operating member, and a ninth operating member fixedly connected to the fifth operating member and an output shaft; and a plurality of friction members that selectively connect operating members of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets, the input shaft, and the transmission case.
 2. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein the plurality of friction members comprise: a first clutch selectively connecting the third operating member and the sixth operating member; a second clutch selectively connecting the seventh operating member to the input shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the second operating member and the fourth operating member; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the second operating member and the seventh operating member; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth operating member to the transmission case; and a second brake selectively connecting the seventh operating member to the transmission case.
 3. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein the first planetary gear set is a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first planet carrier, the first sun gear acting as the first operating member, the first ring gear acting as the second operating member, and the first planet carrier acting as the third operating member.
 4. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein the second planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the second sun gear acting as the fourth operating member, the second planet carrier acting as the fifth operating member, and the second ring gear acting as the sixth operating member.
 5. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein the third planetary gear set is a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third planet carrier, the third sun gear acting as the seventh operating member, the third ring gear acting as the eighth operating member, and the third planet carrier acting as the ninth operating member.
 6. The powertrain of claim 2, wherein: the third clutch and the first brake operate for a first forward speed; the third clutch and the second brake operate for a second forward speed; the third clutch and the fourth clutch operate for a third forward speed; the second clutch and the third clutch operate for a fourth forward speed; the first clutch and the third clutch operate for a fifth forward speed; the first clutch and the second clutch operate for a sixth forward speed; the first clutch and the fourth clutch operate for a seventh forward speed; the first clutch and the second brake operate for an eighth forward speed; the fourth clutch and the first brake operate for a first reverse speed; and the second clutch and the first brake operate for a second reverse speed.
 7. The powertrain of claim 1, wherein: the first planetary gear set is a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first planet carrier, the first sun gear acting as the first operating member, the first ring gear acting as the second operating member, and the first planet carrier acting as the third operating member; the second planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the second sun gear acting as the fourth operating member, the second planet carrier acting as the fifth operating member, and the second ring gear acting as the sixth operating member; and the third planetary gear set is a double pinion planetary gear set having operating members of a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third planet carrier, the third sun gear acting as the seventh operating member, the third ring gear acting as the eighth operating member, and the third planet carrier acting as the ninth operating member.
 8. The powertrain of claim 8, wherein the plurality of friction members comprise: a first clutch selectively connecting the first planet carrier and the second ring gear; a second clutch selectively connecting the third sun gear to the input shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the first ring gear and the second sun gear; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the first ring gear and the third sun gear; a first brake selectively connecting the second ring gear to the transmission case; and a second brake selectively connecting the third sun gear to the transmission case.
 9. The powertrain of claim 8, wherein: the third clutch and the first brake operate for a first forward speed; the third clutch and the second brake operate for a second forward speed; the third clutch and the fourth clutch operate for a third forward speed; the second clutch and the third clutch operate for a fourth forward speed; the first clutch and the third clutch operate for a fifth forward speed; the first clutch and the second clutch operate for a sixth forward speed; the first clutch and the fourth clutch operate for a seventh forward speed; the first clutch and the second brake operate for an eighth forward speed; the fourth clutch and the first brake operate for a first reverse speed; and the second clutch and the first brake operate for a second reverse speed. 